Media Statements
We are SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests. We are the largest, oldest and most active support group for women and men wounded by religious authority figures (priests, ministers, bishops, deacons, nuns and others).
PA- Former registered sex offender priest resurfaces in community non-profit
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
A former priest and registered sex offender has resurfaced at a non-profit in Wilkes-Barre. Robert Timchak works for In The Gap, a group that helps turns vacant lots into residential buildings.
CA- Bishops lobby against child sex abuse law; SNAP responds
For immediate release: Tuesday, July 16
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
According to today’s LA Times, California Catholic officials are waging an expensive lobbying campaign against a bill that would expose predators, help victims, protect kids and deter wrongdoing.
CT- Priest suspended after sex abuse of a minor allegation
Statement by Barbara Dorris, Outreach Director, 314-862-7688 [email protected]
An East Windsor priest, Rev. Paul Gotta, has been placed on administrative leave while investigations take place over a complaint about the sexual abuse of a minor.
ON- Former principal pleads guilty to child pornography
Statement by Barbara Dorris, Outreach Director, 314-862-7688 [email protected]
A former Niagara Falls principal and priest at a Catholic high school has been convicted of possession of child pornography. After pleading guilty, Rheal LeBlanc was sentenced to 14 days in jail to be carried out on the weekends.
This punishment is unfit for this heinous crime. Child pornography is often an indication of larger, more threatening issues. A full investigation into his history must take place in order to insure that LeBlanc is not a threat to children.
MA- Group applauds man for suing predator priest
For immediate release: July 11, 2013
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
A victim of sexual assault has filed a lawsuit against the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield as well as against Bishop McDonnell and a former pastor for allowing abuse by Fr. Paul Archambault to occur for years.
Vitcims blast Pope’s “tiny tweaking” of abuse rule
For immediate release: July 11, 2013
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790,[email protected])
For the Vatican’s image, this is a successful move. For children’s safety, this is another setback.
It’s a setback because it will help foster the false impression of reform and will lead to more complacency.
OK- Tulsa pastor charged with sexual abuse, SNAP responds
For immediate release: Wednesday July 10, 2013
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790,[email protected])
A Tulsa pastor, Rev. Gregory Hawkins, was charged with sexual abuse of a teenage girl. The 15-year-old girl is now five months pregnant with Hawkins’ child. Hawkins is also the owner of Zion Child Care & Learning Center.
SC- Victims blast SC churches on abuse
For immediate release: Wednesday July 10, 2013
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790,[email protected])
A new South Carolina study finds that in child abuse cases “churches often stand between victims and help” and that churches “were least likely to report abuse and sometimes covered it up, urging victims to forgive their abusers instead of reporting them,” according to today's New York Times.
This is very distressing. Churches know better. But time and time again, church officials and members timidly put their selfish interests above the safety of kids.
UN panel seeks Vatican abuse/cover up info
For immediate release: Tuesday, July 7
Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 862 7688 home, 314 503 0003 cell, [email protected])
A United Nations panel is seeking information from Vatican officials about clergy sex crimes and cover ups. We are grateful for this and hope it inspires other international institutions to take similar steps to protect the vulnerable, heal the wounded, expose the truth and prevent more heinous crimes.
The ongoing sexual violence against children by priests and the enabling of those crimes by bishops should outrage the global community. And this horror will continue until more secular authorities show insist that the Catholic hierarchy honor common sense laws and practices that prosecute those who commit and conceal child sex crimes and safeguard those who suffer child sex crimes.
IL-"Don't deport predator priest," SNAP says
For immediate release: Tuesday, July 9
Statement by Barbara Dorris Outreach director for SNAP 314-862-7688 [email protected]
We oppose deporting Fr. Alejandro Flores, a proven predator. Kids in Bolivia are even more vulnerable to this criminal than kids are in the US.
We realize that this is a controversial position to take. But we believe Fr. Flores should be kept in the US and forced by his church supervisors to live indefinitely in a remote, secure, independently-run treatment center where he’ll be kept away from children. That’s what’s best for children.
Winter Appeal 2023
To our friends,
2023 has been a long year with many ups and downs for us all. As we close out the year, we at SNAP hope that you are feeling like you are on your way to being healthy, fulfilled, and happy. This past year has brought both successes and challenges. Thanks to the support you have shown in the past, we’ve been able to celebrate the good days and weather the stormy ones. Now, we are once again asking for your support as we work to support survivors new and old as we ‘Move SNAP Forward.’
At SNAP we are proud to have hosted a very well-attended conference in August 2023. This event allowed us to gather friends, survivors, advocates, and allies for a weekend of camaraderie and connection. We were so happy to be able to welcome many first-time attendees to gather in person and are already looking forward to the next conference.
To strengthen our movement for justice, healing, and prevention, SNAP will be expanding our peer support and providing more volunteer opportunities in the coming year. Through this great work, we are ensuring survivor voices are represented as we work for significant change that will benefit children and survivors.
Right now, survivors worldwide are getting the help they need from SNAP, and more and more reach out to us daily, but we need your help to keep those programs going and get our volunteers the training they need to thrive.
Your tax-deductible gift to SNAP can help offset the cost of our important mission. If you are not in a position to contribute, you can still support us by sharing this letter with those who can. As we continue to fight for survivors across the globe, your donation or sharing the great work SNAP does will help us continue our work to protect the vulnerable, heal the wounded, and prevent abuse.
Your donation ensures SNAP will be there for those who need us more than ever!
Warmly,
Michael W. McDonnell, C.P.S.
Interim Executive Director